Self Care = Self Love
Updated: Jul 29, 2020
Self-care is imperative for our physical and mental health. Self-care is taking the time to do the activities that nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Taking proper care of yourself, having and cultivating self-love, will allow you to bring more positivity and confidence into your daily interactions and relationships. The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have.
But being truly happy is an inside job, and you have to care for yourself as you do for your children and loved ones; moms end up putting themselves on the back burner and taking care of everyone else first, many times it just boils down to not having enough time, or not making yourself a priority.
Take Care of Yourself First!
Only when we first care for ourselves can we expertly and lovingly care for others. Caring for yourself is one of the most crucial things you can do and it is also one of the most natural things to forget. But you benefit significantly from self-care and so do many others in your life.
Why is Self-Care Crucial for Mothers/Woman?
Woman spend a lot of their energy and time caring for and nurturing others. I am sure we can all relate. A lot of times moms put their families, careers, and obligations before themselves and end up with little to no time for themselves. It is called burning the candle at both ends. This often will leave them feeling run down, resentful and stressed out. It’s like “running on empty,” and we don’t take the time to refuel. Women need to balance stress and daily life with activities that bring a sense of calm and well-being to their bodies and minds.
Here is a list of effective self-care activities that fit into daily life, and are easy on the budget:
1. Talk openly and honestly with a trusted friend- spend time with real friends that lift you up.
2. Meditate/Learn Mindfulness: sitting quietly for ten minutes, focusing on your breath, breathing in and out through your nose. There are many guided apps to help you; Insight Timer is my favorite. Please note where your mind takes you when it wonders and then refocus back on the breath.
3. Take a bath! Epsom salts with your favorite essential oils can do so much good for the body and mind, warm water is very soothing and relaxing for tight and tense muscles.
4. Take a nap! So much science behind the cognitive benefits of allowing your body to power down and recharge for 20 minutes.
5. Distance yourself from negatively, whether it be a situation or person, is good for mental health.
6. Eat well- enjoy a flavorful meal you love that will leave you feeling nourished and give your body energy.
7. Stretch- 10 minutes to get the kinks out helps your body and mind relax and stay loose.
8. Get enough sleep! Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Studies show that a lack of high-quality sleep impacts our decision-making abilities. Getting enough sleep at the right times can help protect your mental and physical health, quality of life, and safety.
9. Paint or write something that lets out your creative energy.
10. UNPLUG! Step away from the phone, emails, texts, the news; let your thoughts become your own. Focus on the positive in your life, the things within your control. Make eye contact with someone you love and have a conversation in real life!
11. Get outside, get some sunshine- a little sunshine helps boost important and necessary vitamin D levels, and helps you get to sleep easier at night. When you are exposed to sunlight in the morning, nocturnal melatonin production occurs sooner, and you enter into sleep more comfortably at night.
Self-care means treating yourself as a valuable person and showing that you are important and deserving of great love.
In good health,
Amanda
